Rotary pump or motor



J1me 195% R. LAPSLEY ROTARY PUMP OR MOTOR 2 Sheets-Sneet -l Filed April 18, 1952 mkiii mm IN V EN TOR.

ROBERT L APS LEY AT TYS.

June 26, 1956 FIG- 3 75 FIG. 2 m

United States Patent ROTARY some on MOTOR Robert Lapsley, Buchanan, Mich assignor to Clark Equipment Company, Buchanan, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Application April 18, 1952, Serial No. 233,058

9 Claims. (Cl. 103-4) My present invention relates to a dual rotary pump or motor mechanism which is operable as a dual motor when supplied with fluid under pressure or as a dual pump when power-driven.

Rotary pump and motor mechanisms are well known. One form of such mechanism, with which I am acquainted, comprises an impeller, having one or more peller in synchronism. The housing in which the above noted mechanism elements are disposed is generally fabricated from complex castings wherein considerable coring is required which contributes not only to high manufacturing costs, but also to high replacement costs. It has further been my experience that considerable oil leakage occurs at the various junction points of the castings.

It is an object of my present invention to provide a duel rotary pump or motor mechanism wherein the component parts are formed of more or less standard tubes and plates thereby reducing the cost of component parts and permitting them to be economically and easily assembled.

It is a further object of my present invention to provide a dual rotary pump or motor mechanism of the character described wherein the component elements thereof may be easily and economically replaced in the event that they should become damaged.

It is a still further object of my present invention to provide a dual rotary pump and motor mechanism, as noted, wherein undesirable oil leakage therefrom is reduced to a minimum.

In order to accomplish the above noted objects, I contemplate the provision of a dual rotary pump or motor mechanism comprising a tubular casing having an open ing formed therethrough which opening hasa constant cross-sectional cylindrical area. Disposed within the tubular casing in end to end relation are cylindrical disc members in which the various fluid passageways and chambers are formed. Suitable end plates are provided for maintaining the circular discs within the tubular casing. Conventional impellers and valve members are mounted within the discs and power shafts extend outwardly of the end plates. It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that the various cylindrical disc members may be economically formed from standard sheets or plates and quite easily assembled within the tubular casing. It is to be further noted that the disc members may be easily replaced when required. In addition, since the cylindrical disc members are enclosed by a tubular casing, oil leakage therefrom is maintained at minimum.

The valve memice Now, in order to acquaint those skilled in the art with the manner of constructing and using rotary pump and motor mechanisms in accordance with the principles of my present invention, 1 shall describe in connection with the accompanying drawing a preferred embodiment of my present invention.

In the drawing:

Figure l is a longitudinal sectional view of the rotary pump and motor mechanism of my present invention taken along the line 1-1 in Figure 2, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Figure 2 is a vertical transverse sectional view of the rotary pump and motor mechanism of Figure 1 taken along the line 2-2, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows; and

Figure 3 is a partial sectional view taken along the line 33 in Figure 2, looking in the direction indicated by the arrows.

Referring now to the drawing, the dual rotary pump and motor mechanism of my present invention comprises a generally tubular casing which has a cylindrical opening formed therethrough of uniform cross-sectional area. A first series of three discs 11, 12 and 13 are disposed end to end in the tubular casing 10, adjacent the left end thereof, as viewed in Figure 1. A second series of three discs 14, 15 and 16 are disposed end to end in the tubular casing 10, adjacent the right end thereof, as viewed in Figure l. The discs ll, l2, l3, 1'4, 15 and 15 extend transversely of the axis of the tubular casing 19 and the outer peripheries of the discs are circular and in sealing and bearing contact with the inner periphery of the tubular casing 10.

Extending into the tubular casing 10 and through the circular discs 11, 12 and 13, parallel to the axis of the tubular casing 10, is a power shaft 17. A similar power shaft 18 extends into the tubular casing 10 and through the circular discs 14, I5 and 16. The power shafts 17 and 18 are in axial alignment and, within the tubular casing 10, meet in abutting relation. The adjacent ends of the power shafts 17 and 18 are splined and non-rotatably mounted on the splines are gears 20 and 21. The gears 29 and 21 are retained in'position on the shafts 17 and 18 by means of snap rings 81. The power shaft 17 is journaled in bearing means 22 and 23 carried respectively by the circular discs 11 and 13 and the power shaft 18 is journaled in bearing means 24 and 25 carried respectively by the circular discs 14 and 16. r

A first pair of axially aligned countershafts 26 and 27 are disposed within the tubular casing 10 and extend respectively through the series of discs 11, 12 and 13, and the series of discs 14, 15 and 16. The countershaft 26 is journaled in bearing means 28 and 29 carried respectively by the circular discs 11 and 13 and the countershaft 27 is journaled in bearing means 30 and 31 carried respectively by the circular discs 14 and 16. The adjacent ends of the countershafts 26 and 27 are splined and nonrotatably mounted on the splines are gears 36 and 37 which mesh respectively with the gears 20 and 21 mounted at the ends of the power shafts 17 and 18. A second pair of axially aligned countershafts are mounted within the tubular casing 10 one of which is indicated at 38 in Figure 2. The second pair of countershafts are rotatably mounted within the circular discs 11 and 13 and 14 and 16 in the same manner as the countershafts 26 and 27. The second pair of countershafts have gears secured thereon which are in constant meshing engagement with the gears 20 and 21 of the power shafts 1 7 andlS. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that the power-shaft 17 and the countershafts 26 and 38 rotate in synchronism, and that the power shaft 18 and the associated countershafts also rotate insynchronism,

The series of circular discs 11, 12 and 13 are retained in position within the tubular casing 10, at one end, by means of a retaining ring39, and, at the other end, by means of an end plate 40. A pin member '78 is secured in the end of the casing for dowelling end plate 40into proper position. The screws 77 are threaded into casing'ltl for'retaining the end plate 40 in position. The end ,plate' 40 is formed with an opening therein through which the power'shaft 17 extends. Suitable oil seal means 41 is disposed concentrically about the power .shaft 17 and retained in the end plate 46 for preventing oil leakage there past. The series of circular discs 14, and 16 are retainedin position within the tubular casing It at one end, by means of a retaining ring 42, and, at the other end, by meansfofan end plate 43 which end plate 43 has an opening through which the power shaft 18 extends. The endplate 43 is retained in position by means of a pin member and screws identical to pin 73 and screws 77. Suitable oil seal means 44 is mounted concentrically about-the power shaft 18 and is retained within the end plate 43 for preventing oil leakage therepast. 0 rings 80 are carried by the end plates 40 and 43 for preventing oil leakage therepast.

An opening 51 is formed in the intermediate disc 12 which opening, for purposes of the present disclosures, I shall term a cylinder. Secured to the power shaft 17, within the cylinder 51, is an impeller member 52 having cylindrical sealing surfaces 53 and piston elements 54 which in the specific embodiment of my invention disclosed herein comprise three. A clearance of preferably one one-thousandth of an inch is provided between the ends of the piston elements 54' and the adjacent inner surface of the cylinder.

Secured to the countershaft 26, within the cylinder 51, is an abutment valve member 55 having cylindrical sealing surfaces 56 and by-pass recesses 57. The cylindrical sealing surfaces 56 of the abutment valve 55 are adapted to have rolling frictional contact with the cylindrical sealing surfaces 53 of the impeller member 52.

An abutment valve member 58, identical to the abutmentvalve member 55, is secured to the countershaft 38, within the cylinder 51. ,The' abtument valve 58 has cylindrical sealing surfaces 59. and by-pass recesses 60. The cylindrical sealing surfaces 59 of the abutment valve 58 are adapted to have rolling frictional contact with the cylindricalsealing surfaces 53 of the impeller 52. The by-passrecesses 57 and 60 formed respectively in the vabutment valves 55' and 58 are provided for permitting the piston elements54 of the impeller 52 to pass the abutment valves 55 and 58.

The abutment valves 55 and 58 form barriers across the cylinder 51 against which the piston elements 54 force a body of fluid received within the cylinder 51. As explained hereinbefore, the power 'shaft 17 and the countershafts 26 and 38 are rotated synchronously, and, thus, the by-pass recesses 57 and 60 in the abutment valves 55.and 58 are moved synchronously into mating position with the piston element 54 for permitting the latter to pass the abutment valves 55 and 58.

An identical cylinder 51 is formed within the intermediate disc 15 and disposed therein are an impeller and a pair of abutment valves Which'are identical in construction and operation with the aforedescribed impeller 52 and abutment valves 55 and 58.

A tubular dowel-rod member 70 is inserted through the circular discs 11, 12 and 13 for preventing relative rotation th'erebetween. The dowel member 70, at one end, is received in the end plate 40, and, at the other end, abuts a snap ring 79. Leakagefluid, collected between the end plate 40 and the circular disc 11, is returned to the central portion or chamber of the tubular casing '10 wherein the gears are disposed, through fluid passageways 75 and-76 formed in the end plate 40 and the tubular dowel member 70. =Fluid leaking from the cylinder 51'is also returned to the central chamber in'the casing 10. A tubular dowel rod, identical to rod '71), is inserted through the circular discs 14, 15 and 16 for preventing the latter from rotating relative to each other, and, in addition, for returning leakage fiuid, collected be tween the end plate 43 and the circular disc 16, to the central portion of the tubular casing 10 wherein the gears are disposed. Oil accumulating within the central portion of the casing 19 is returned to a fluid supply tank through a drain line (not shown) having connection with the drain passageway formed in the casing 10. The spaces between the end plates 40 and 43 and, the discs lit and 16, and the central chamber of the tubular casing 10, are maintained at atmospheric pressure because they have communication with the fluid supply tank. By maintaining atmospheric pressure at the points indicated, the problem of providing adequate oil seals is substantially eliminated. H I V,

An inlet fluid passageway 71 is formed in the tubular casing 10 and communicates with a fluid passageway. 72 formed in the intermediate disc 12. The fluid passageway 72 opens into the cylinder 51. An outlet fluid passageway 73 is formed in the tubular casing 10 and communicates with a fluid passageway 74 formed in the intermediate disc 12.. The passageway 74 opens into the cylinder 51. Identical inlet and outlet fluid passageways are provided for communicating with the cylinder defined within the intermediate disc 15. When the mechanism described is to be utilized as a dual motor, fluid under pressure is admitted through the inlets 71 and the power shafts 17 and 18 serve as output shafts. When the mechanism is to be utilized as a dual pump the shafts 17 and 18 are power driven and fluid drawn in at the inlets 71 is delivered-under pressure at the outlets 73.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that I have provided a dual rotary pump or motor mechanism the component parts of which may be economically fabria cated and easily assembled. The circular discs 11, 13, 14 and 16 are identical and the circular discs 12 and 1 5 are identical. The impeller 52 and the abutment valves 55 and 58 which are identical, may be suitably extruded. In the assembly of the mechanism the various circular discs are inserted successively within the tubular casing 10 in end to end relation. In addition, it should be noted that it is unnecessary to provide oil seals between the adjacent surfaces of the discs in view of the factthat a continuous tubular casing 10 is provided.

Now, while I have shown and described what I believe to be a preferred embodiment of my present invention, it will be understood that various modifications and rearrangements may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of my present invention.

I claim:

1. A machine operable as a motor when supplied with fluid under pressure or as a pump when power-driven, comprising a tubular casing, a series of three discs disposed end to end in said tubular casing, said discs extending transversely of the axis of said tubular casing and with the outer peripheries thereof in sealing and bearing contact with the adjacent inner periphery of said tubular casing, end plates for closing the ends of said tubular casing, locating means to hold said discs in proper relationship, a first shaft extending through one of said end plates and said discs, said first shaft being journaled in at least one disc of said series of discs second'and third shafts extending through said series of discs, said second and third shafts'bei'ng journaled in at least one disc of said series of discs, an impeller secured to said first shaft within theintermediate disc of said series of discs, rotatable valve means secured to said second and third shafts within the intermediate disc of saidseries of discs, means for synchronizing rotation of said first, second and third shafts whereby said impeller and said valve means rotate in synchronism, an inlet fluid passageway communicating with said impeller and said valve means, and an outlet fluid passageway communicating with said impeller and said valve means.

2. A machine operable as a motor when supplied with fluid under pressure or as a pump when power-driven, comprising a tubular casing, a series of three discs disposed end to end in said tubular casing, said discs extending transversely of the axis of said tubular casing and with the outer peripheries thereof in sealing and bearing contact with the adjacent inner periphery of said tubular casing, end plates for closing the ends of said tubular casing, locating means to hold said discs in proper relationship, a first shaft extending through one of said end plates and said discs, said first shaft being journaled in the end discs of said series of discs, second and third shafts extending through said series of discs, said second and third shafts being journaled in the end discs of said series of discs, the axes of said shafts being arranged at the apexes of a substantially equilateral triangle, an impeller secured to said first shaft within the intermediate disc of said series of discs, rotatable valve means secured to said second and third shafts within the intermediate disc of said series of discs, means for synchronizing rotation of said first, second and third shafts whereby said impeller and said valve means rotate in synchronism, an inlet fluid passageway communicating with said impeller and said valve means, and an outlet fluid passageway communicating with said impeller and said valve means.

3. A machine operable as a dual motor when supplied with fluid under pressure or as a dual pump when powerdriven, comprising a tubular casing, a series of three discs disposed end to end in said tubular casing adjacent each end of the latter, said discs extending transversely of the axis of said tubular casing and with the outer peripheries thereof in sealing and bearing contact with the adjacent inner periphery of said tubular casing, end plates for securing said discs within said tubular casing, locating means for holding said discs in. proper relationship, a pair of axially aligned first shafts extending through said end plates and said discs and terminating in abutting relation within said tubular casing between the two series of discs, said first shafts being journaled in at least one disc of the adjacent series of discs, a pair of axially aligned second shafts each extending through one of the series of discs and terminating in abutting relation within said tubular casing between the two series of discs, said second shafts being journaled in at least one disc of the adjacent series of discs, a pair of axially aligned third shafts each extending through one of the series of discs and terminating in abutting relation within said tubular casing between the two series of discs, said third shafts being journaled in at least one disc of the adjacent series of discs, an impeller secured to each of said first shafts Within the intermediate disc of each series of discs, rotatable valve means secured to each of said second and third shafts within the intermediate disc of each series of discs, inlet fluid passageways formed through said tubular casing and the discs of each series of discs for communication with said impellers and said rotatable valve means, outlet fluid passageways formed through said tubular casing and through said discs of each series of discs for communication with said impellers and said rotatable valve means, and means for synchronizing rotation of said first, second and third shafts whereby said impellers and said valve means rotate in synchronism.

4. A machine operable as a dual motor when supplied with fluid under pressure or as a dual pump when powerdriven, comprising a tubular casing, a series of three discs disposed end to end in said tubular casing adjacent each end of the latter, said discs extending transversely of the axis of said tubular casing and With the outer peripheries thereof in sealing and bearing contact with the adjacent inner periphery of said tubular casing, end plates for securing said discs within said tubular casing, locating means for holding said discs in proper rela tionship, a pair of axially aligned first shafts extending through said end plates and said discs and terminating in abutting relation within said tubular casing between the two series of discs, said first shafts being journaled in the end discs of the adjacent series of discs, a pair of axially a igned second shafts each extending through one of the series of discs and terminating in abutting relation within said tubular casing between the two series of discs, said second shafts being journaled in the end discs f the adjacent series of discs, a pair of axially aligned third shafts each extending through one of the series of discs terminating in abutting relation within said tubular casin between the two series of discs, said third shafts being journaled in the end discs of the adjacent series of discs, an impeller secured to each of said first shafts within the intermediate disc of each series of discs, each of said impellers having cylindrical sealing surfaces and at least one radially extending piston element, rotatable valve means secured to each of said second and third shafts within the intermediate disc of each series of discs, each of said rotatable valve means having cylindrical sealing surfaces for rolling contact with the cylindrical sealing surfaces of the adjacent impeller and having a by-pass recess for passing said piston through said valve means, means for synchronizing rotation of said first, second and third shafts whereby said by-pass recesses mate with said pistons in synchronism, inlet fluid passage ways formed through said tubular casing and said discs of each series of discs for communication with said impellers and said valve means, and outlet fluid passageways formed through said tubular casing and said discs of each series of discs for communication with said impellers and said valve means.

5. A machine operable as a dual motor when supplied with fluid under pressure or as a dual pump when powerdriven, comprising a casing having an opening formed therethrough of uniform cross-sectional area, a series of three discs disposed end to end in said casing adjacent each end of the latter, said discs extending transversely of the axis of said casing and having cylindrical outer peripheries in sealing and bearing contact with the inner periphery of said casing, end plates for securing said discs within said casing, a pair of axially aligned first shafts extending through said end plates and said discs and terminating in abutting relation within said casting between the two series of discs, said first shafts being journaled in the end discs of the adjacent series of discs, a pair of axially aligned second shafts each extending through one of the series of discs and terminating in abutting relation within said casing between the two series of discs, said second shafts being journaled in the end discs of the adjacent series of discs, a pair of axially aligned third shafts each extending through one of the series of discs and terminating in abutting relation within said casing between the two series of discs, said third shafts being journaled in the end discs of the adjacent series of discs, an impeller secured to each of said first shafts Within the intermediate disc of each series of discs, rotatable valve means secured to each of said second and third shafts within the intermediate disc of each series of discs, means for synchronizing rotation of said first, second and third shafts whereby said impeller and valve means are rotated in synchronism, inlet fluid passageways formed through said casing and through said discs of each series of discs for communication with said impellers and said valve means, and outlet fluid passageways formed through said casing and through said discs of each series of discs for communication with said impellets and said valve means.

6. A machine operable as a dual motor when supplied with fluid under pressure or as a dual pump when powerdriven, comprising a tubular casing, 21 series of three discs disposed end to end in said tubular casing adjacent each end of the latter, said discs extending transversely of the axis of said tubular casing and with the outer peripheries thereof in sealing and bearing contact with the adjacent inner periphery of said tubular casing, end plates for securing said discs within said tubular casing, locating means for holding said discs in proper relation, a pair of axially aligned first shafts extending through said end plates and said discs and terminating in abutting relation within said tubular casing between the two series of discs, said first shafts being journaled in the end discs of the adjacent series of discs, a pair of axially aligned second shafts each extending through one of the series of discs and terminating in abutting relation within said tubular casing between the two series of discs, said second shafts being journaled in the end discs of the adjacent series of discs, a pair of axially aligned third shafts each extending through one of the series of discs and terminating in abutting relation within said tubular casing between the two series of discs, said third shafts being journaled in the end discs of the adjacent series of discs, an impeller secured to each of said first shafts within the intermediate disc of each series of'discs, rotatable valve means secured to each of said second and third shafts within the intermediate disc of each series of discs, means for synchronizing rotation of said first, second and third shafts whereby said impeller and said valve means are rotated in synchronism, inlet fluid passageways formed through said tubular casing and said discs of each series of discs for communication with said impellers and said valve means, outlet fluid passageways formed through said tubular casing and'said discs of each series of discs for communication with said impellers and said valve means.

7. A machine operable as a dual motor when supplied with fluid under pressure or as a dual pump when powerdriven, comprising a tubular casing, a series of three discs disposed end to end in said tubular casing adjacent each end of the latter, said discs extending transversely of the axis of said tubular casing and with the outer peripheries thereof in sealing and bearing contact with the adjacent inner periphery of said tubular casing, end plates for securing said discs within said tubular casing, locating means for holding said discs in proper relation, a pair of axially aligned first shafts extending through said end plates and said discs and terminating in abutting relation within said tubular casing between the two series of discs, said first shafts being journaled in the end discs of the adjacent series of discs, a pair of axially aligned second shafts each extending through one of the series of discs and terminating in abutting relation within said tubular casing between the two series of discs, said second shafts being journaled in the end discs of the adjacent series of discs, 21 pair of axially aligned third shafts each extending through one of the series of discs and terminating in abutting relation within said tubular casing between the two series of discs, said third shafts being journaled in the and discs of the adjacent series of discs, the axes of said aligned shafts being arranged at the apexes of a substantially equilateral triangle, an impeller secured to each of said first shafts within the intermediate disc of each series of discs, each of said impellers having cylindrical sealing surfaces and at least one radially extending piston element, rotatable valve means secured to each of said second and third shafts within the intermediate disc of each series of discs, each of said rotatable valve means having cylindrical sealing surfaces for rolling contact with the-cylindrical sealing surfaces of the adjacent impeller and the adjacent-valve means and having by-pass recesses for passing said pistons through said valve means, means for synchronizing rotation of said first, second and third shafts whereby said by-pass recesses mate with said pistons in synchronism, inlet fluid passageways formed through said tubular casing and said discs of each series of discs for communication with said impellers and said valve means, and outlet fluid passagewaysformed through saidtubularcasing and said discs of each series of discs for communication with said impellers and said valve means. p

Y 8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said means for synchronizing rotation of said first, second and third shafts comprises gears secured to the adjacent ends of said first, second and third shafts within said tubular casing. 9. A machine operable as a dual motor when supplied with fluid under pressure or as a dual pump when powerdriven, comprising a tubular casing, a series of three discs disposed end to end in said tubular casing adjacent each end of the latter, said discs extending transversely of the axis of said tubular casing and with the outer peripheries thereof in sealing and'bearing contact with the adjacent,

inner. periphery of said tubular casing, end plates for securing said discs within said tubular casing, locating means for holding said discs in proper relation, a pair of axially aligned first shafts extending through said end plates and said discs and terminating in abutting relation within said tubular casing between the two series of discs, a pair of axially aligned second shafts each extending through one of the series of discs and terminating in abutting relation within. said tubular casing between the two series of discs, a pair ofaxially aligned third shafts each extending through one of the series of discs and terminating in abutting relation within said tubular casing between the two series of discs, an impeller secured to eachof said first shafts within the intermediate disc ofieach series of discs, rotatable valve means secured to each of saidsecond and third shafts within the intermediate disc of each series of discs, means for synchro-' nizing rotation of said first, second and third shafts whereby rotation of said'impeller and said valve means is' synchronized, inlet fluid passageway means formed through said tubular casing and said discs of each series of 'discs for communication with said impellers and said valve means, outlet fluid passageway means formed through said tubular casing and said discs of each series of discs for communication with said impellers and said valve means, and a dowel member extending through each. series of discs for preventing relative rotation between the discs of each series, said dowel members being tubular for providing for the return of leakage fluid collected at said end members to, the central chamber intermediate said series of discs,'and said central chamber communicating with a drain passageway which is adapted to have communication with a fluid supply tank whereby said end and central chambers are maintained at atmospheric pressure. a

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

